Ex-dancer finds faith, struggles with Amish modesty

Kendra Bates, a 33-year-old professional dancer from Los Angeles, has traded her nine-year career for a simpler existence within the Amish community, as featured on TLC's "Suddenly Amish." Her journey began after finding her Christian faith, leading her to reject her former path. However, the premiere episode revealed significant challenges. An Amish leader questioned Bates about her revealing clothing, a stark contrast to her dance attire. She became emotional, finding the lack of modesty difficult to reconcile with her past. Bates noted that her upbringing, starting dance from a young age, normalized revealing outfits. Despite her family's historical ties to the more moderate Mennonite community, adopting Amish traditions proved a profound culture shock. The absence of a cell phone was initially disorienting, but Bates soon discovered the benefits of disconnecting. She reported a significant reduction in stress and anxiety, feeling more present in the moment. This experience offered Bates a new perspective on normalcy and societal expectations.